Mathematics

The Mathematics Department strives to promote curiosity in all aspects of the subject: we teach mathematics for its own sake. Additionally, we appreciate that mathematics provides a natural support for all other numerically-based disciplines and as such, we aim to equip our pupils to communicate abstract ideas effectively and to develop confidence in their ability to do so.

We promote mathematics as a realistic option for further study and provide a firm foundation of skills to allow our pupils to do so. Consequently, wherever possible, we pose questions that demand a depth of thinking or require several different mathematical techniques to derive their solutions. In our experience, this is the best way to stimulate our pupils' enthusiasm for their mathematical studies and to deepen their engagement with the subject.

Above all, we aim to engender a real enjoyment of mathematics and an appreciation of the beauty of its concepts.

4th Form

Lower 4 and Upper 4 provide a firm introduction to the subject and what we expect of a Norwich School mathematician. Our aim during these two crucial years is to develop numerical and algebraic skills through a variety of methods, while providing an introduction to linking different mathematical ideas to solve non-routine problems.

Broadly speaking, technique development follows the Mathematics Enrichment Programme (MEP), these being developed through application to other problems. Note that the material we teach is not wholly restricted to that covered within the scheme.

5th Form

Lower 5 is a transitional year from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 study. From the beginning of Lower 5, a pupil will study topics aligned with the IGCSE course at an introductory level and these are then developed through Middle and Upper 5.

Currently, there are two ‘accelerated’ sets in both Upper and Middle 5. These sets study the same Edexcel IGCSE course as well as the OCR Additional Mathematics FSMQ.

6th Form

Pupils follow the Edexcel A level Mathematics course (9MA0). The new linear course is an integrated two-year programme of study that develops concepts in number, algebra and geometry (Pure Mathematics) and in Statistics and Mechanics.

Further Mathematics (Edexcel 9FM0) is offered alongside Mathematics; we teach the full A level Mathematics course in the Lower 6th and the full A level Further Mathematics course in the Upper 6th. In addition to the Core Pure mandatory options, we offer Further Statistics and Further Mechanics options for examination.